This watchdog blog, by journalist Norman Oder, offers analysis, commentary, and reportage about the $4.9 billion project to build the Barclays Center arena and 16 high-rise buildings at a crucial site in Brooklyn. Dubbed Atlantic Yards by developer Forest City Ratner in 2003, it was rebranded Pacific Park in 2014 after the Chinese government-owned Greenland Group bought a 70% stake in 15 towers. New York State still calls it Atlantic Yards. Contact: AtlanticYardsReport[at]hotmail.com

Saturday, May 16, 2015

Yes, as described in state documents, described in legal papers, and mentioned at a meeting earlier this week, the School Construction Authority aims to build a school in B15, the 27-story tower east of Sixth Avenue between Dean and Pacific streets, rather than the B5 tower do the north, which would require a costly deck over the railyard.

Note that Greenland Forest City Partners is essentially providing space within the tower, but relying on city funding. (Also note that eminent domain was not so much used to build a school, but for 330 market-rate units.)

There is a public comment period for 45 days but not, as far as I can tell, detailed public information. You have to ask. DNAInfo reported:

Additionally, residents can attend a public hearing held by Community Board 8's education committee on June 2, though that date is still tentative, according to committee co-chairwoman Sharon Wedderburn.

Pursuant to §1731 of the New York City School Construction Authority Act, notice has been filed for the proposed site selection of Block 1128, Lots 1, 4, 85, 86, and 87, for the development of a new, approximately 616-seat primary/intermediate school facility in Community School District No. 13.The proposed site is located on the east side of 6th Avenue between Pacific Street and Dean Street in the Borough of Brooklyn, and is part of the larger planned Pacific Park (formerly known as Atlantic Yards) development. The proposed site is located within a new mixed-use building (“B-15”) that will be constructed as part of Pacific Park. Under the proposed project, on behalf of the New York City Department of Education, the New York City School Construction Authority would acquire a total of up to approximately 100,000 gross square feet within the new B-15 mixed-use building to accommodate the proposed school facility.

The site plan and supplemental materials summarizing the proposed action are available at:New York City School Construction Authority30-30 Thomson AvenueLong Island City, NY 11101Attention: Ross J. Holden

Comments on the proposed actions may be submitted to the New York City School Construction Authority at the above address or by email to sites@nycsca.org, and will be accepted until June 29, 2015.